Humberto Strengthens; Imelda Threatens U.S. Southeast

Hurricane Humberto has rapidly strengthened into a hurricane and is expected to become a major hurricane later this week while remaining mostly over open water but producing dangerous surf, rip currents and possible impacts to Bermuda. Invest 94L is organizing near Hispaniola/Cuba and is likely to become Tropical Storm Imelda within days, with the NHC and local offices giving roughly an 80–90% chance of development as it drifts toward the Bahamas. Early models and National Weather Service guidance show a credible threat to the Carolinas early next week — including roughly 4–5 inches of rain possible near Charleston — with prolonged coastal winds, storm surge, isolated tornadoes, and the potential for power outages; residents from Georgia through the Carolinas into the Mid‑Atlantic (including Washington, D.C.) should monitor official forecasts and prepare. Forecasters warn that if Humberto and Imelda come within about 800–900 miles of each other a Fujiwhara‑type interaction could alter tracks or allow the larger Humberto to dominate or absorb the smaller system, complicating forecasts. Meanwhile, Hurricane Gabrielle is moving east under warnings toward the Azores, bringing hurricane‑force gusts, heavy rain and dangerous surf before weakening near Portugal and Spain.